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Success Story
Professional computer
programmers join
Vietnamese workforce
Regaining Social Mobility and Respect
Photo: USAID/Richard Nyberg
Le Thi Le, right, gives a few tips to Pham
Thu Huong at the PWD Soft company.
“The training gave me the
confi dence I needed to get
this job. And it has changed
my view of disabilities,” said
Le Thi Le.
Le Thi Le hit the fast track early in life. As the top student in her
primary school level, she was singled out for high achievement and
tested her way into a gifted school in Tam Diep town in Vietnam’s
Ninh Binh province. Biking four miles to class, she maintained her
grades and kept academic pace with fellow pupils. But it wasn’t long
before she became painfully aware of the fact that her limited mobility
prevented her from walking as far or fast as most people. Searing
comments from peers burned a spotlight on her physical disability,
causing her to withdraw socially.
“I had friends, but I was very self-conscious of what others thought
and didn’t want to communicate with them,” Le said. She persevered,
however, and eventually earned a degree in English from the Vietnam
National University.
Unfortunately, fi nding work after graduation proved diffi cult. “Potential
employers always looked at me anxiously during my job interviews.
They said they were pleased with my test scores but were afraid
that I could not do well at work. It was like they had a barrier in their
minds.” After some disappointing interviews, Le, 26, landed a slot
at the Information Technology Training Program (ITTP) for people
with disabilities in 2008. The program, which is supported by USAID,
provides 12 months of software engineering training based on an
international-standard curriculum and shorter-term classes in basic
computer skills for persons with disabilities. USAID-supported projects
have promoted inclusive education for people with disabilities in
Vietnam since 1998. The ITTP expands the “Inclusion of Vietnamese
with Disabilities” program to higher education. The program also
facilitates job placement and increases employers’ awareness
of skilled people with disabilities. More than 150 students have
successfully completed ITTP courses.
After completing the second ITTP software engineering class Le was
hired by PWDSoft, a computer company run by people with disabilities
in Hanoi, Vietnam. As human resources manager, she moves around
the room with resolve as she helps 20 fellow programmers and web
content editors manage their work flow. Standing four feet, six inches
tall, she has high hopes for her career in computer technology and
has started a two-year training course certifi ed by Carnegie Mellon
University.
“Now I have stable employment at PWDSoft,” she said. “I like the
friendly working environment here, where everyone helps each other
to learn and improve. The training from the ITTP program gave me
the confi dence I needed to get this job. And it has changed my view of
disabilities.”
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